We are really making tracks for Springfield, IL. We left Grand Junction, CO this morning and we're settling down tonight in Colby, KS. Drove across a whole state and into the Central Time Zone. Lost another hour.
The trip has been seamless so far. Only had a small mishap today. While driving behind a semi-truck a small rock flew up and we now have a small crack in the windshield. Hasn't spread into a bigger crack yet. Hope to get to Springfield before we have to have the windshield replaced.
Monday we drove through a portion of Utah and into Colorado. I forgot how fabulous the rock formations were. I put away the book I was reading and just enjoyed the scenery, it was so breathtaking. It reminded me how fortunate we were to live in the West. We pulled over into a view overlook to get some pictures.
While driving through the canyons I like to imagine how it was over 100 years ago for the pioneers coming west by wagon train or just on a horse. They didn't have paved roads or roadside rest stops. No sign of any shade. They had to make do, with what they had. Don't think I would have made a very good pioneer. I probably would have traveled by train.
My journey through tracing my family tree. Family traditions, photos and travels. Sharing results of the search for my roots.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy & History - Weddings
Our wedding was held on Saturday, April 5, 1975. My husband and I were only 23 years old. The weather was anything but perfect. Rain, rain and more rain! It must have rained the whole week!
My sister was my matron of honor, my new sister-in-law and a girlfriend from work were the other bridesmaids. My husband's best friend was his best man, another school friend and my brother were his ushers.
Our wedding flowers that were delivered to the church by the florist weren't labeled with any names so I had to come forward and figure out which bridesmaid, usher, mother, father, or sister got what flowers. In the middle of all that a man came in the chapel looking for my aunt and uncle. My grandmother lived with my aunt and uncle. At that moment I knew that my grandmother who couldn't make it to our wedding, was dying. This is what I learned right before going down the aisle.
The people in the church had no idea what had happened. Somehow, my father got me down the aisle. I had to fight with my brain not to breakdown yet, had to wait until later. The wedding itself went on without a hitch, but outside the church there was a lot of crying. Grandma died that day.
We only have one picture outside of that day and that was of me holding up my wedding dress with both hands so it wouldn't get in a puddle and my husband holding a yellow umbrella over the both of us just before we jumped into the waiting car.
My sister was my matron of honor, my new sister-in-law and a girlfriend from work were the other bridesmaids. My husband's best friend was his best man, another school friend and my brother were his ushers.
Our wedding flowers that were delivered to the church by the florist weren't labeled with any names so I had to come forward and figure out which bridesmaid, usher, mother, father, or sister got what flowers. In the middle of all that a man came in the chapel looking for my aunt and uncle. My grandmother lived with my aunt and uncle. At that moment I knew that my grandmother who couldn't make it to our wedding, was dying. This is what I learned right before going down the aisle.
The people in the church had no idea what had happened. Somehow, my father got me down the aisle. I had to fight with my brain not to breakdown yet, had to wait until later. The wedding itself went on without a hitch, but outside the church there was a lot of crying. Grandma died that day.
We only have one picture outside of that day and that was of me holding up my wedding dress with both hands so it wouldn't get in a puddle and my husband holding a yellow umbrella over the both of us just before we jumped into the waiting car.
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| On our way to our honeymoon. |
We may not have had the perfect wedding we had hoped and planned for, but we've been married for 36 years and we're planning on 36 more.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
On the Road to FGS
My husband and I hit the road today, one day earlier than we planned. We're on our way to the Federation of Genealogical Socities Conference in Springfield, IL to be held Sept. 7-10. He got the "itch" to get down the road on a Sunday afternoon instead of Monday morning when lots of commuters are heading for work.
We live in Southern California so each morning that big, bright sun will be hitting us square in the face until it gets higher in the sky. That's what sunglasses are for. We're planning on stopping at various places as we head East. A couple of the spots are the Presidential Libraries of Eisenhower and Truman. We've been to the Reagan and Nixon libraries in California. They are truly inspirational and worth the visit.
Once we get to Springfield and check-in to our hotel, I'll have to go over to the convention center for a volunteer orientation. I signed up to be a room monitor for several session. I'm really looking forward to the whole experience.
Tomorrow's road miles will bring me closer to my goal.
We live in Southern California so each morning that big, bright sun will be hitting us square in the face until it gets higher in the sky. That's what sunglasses are for. We're planning on stopping at various places as we head East. A couple of the spots are the Presidential Libraries of Eisenhower and Truman. We've been to the Reagan and Nixon libraries in California. They are truly inspirational and worth the visit.
Once we get to Springfield and check-in to our hotel, I'll have to go over to the convention center for a volunteer orientation. I signed up to be a room monitor for several session. I'm really looking forward to the whole experience.
Tomorrow's road miles will bring me closer to my goal.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Volunteering at FGS
Today I returned an e-mail in response to volunteering at the FGS Conference in Springfield, IL, Sept 7-10, 2011. I signed up for nine volunteer sessions throughout the four days. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, network, and give something back to the genealogical community.
FGS will reimburse volunteers a portion of their registration fee after the conference (if registered at the early rate, which I am) based on the following schedule:
8 hours = 25% 12 hours = 40% 16 hours = 65%
I'm so looking forward to my four days in Springfield, IL. After the conference, my husband and I are driving up to my hometown of Chicago to see cousins and school friends. What a great trip we have planned, can't wait until September!
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FGS will reimburse volunteers a portion of their registration fee after the conference (if registered at the early rate, which I am) based on the following schedule:
8 hours = 25% 12 hours = 40% 16 hours = 65%
Volunteers do not have to be registered for the conference; but those not registered
may not attend sessions, monitor sessions, or receive any reimbursement.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Retirement Day
I've worked for the County of Ventura for 10.5 years and enjoyed every minute. I had a great boss and coworker; lots of interaction with managers, supervisors and crew members. I worked for the Road department, as a parting gift I got my very own street
name sign with our County logo, very cool!
I'll miss the mornings. There was always hussle-bussle activity. Everyone getting their work assignments, coming by my desk to ask for help or just rushing by saying, "Good morning Gayle" with a smile.
But on the very bright side, I'll be able to contribute more time to my local society. I'm currently Publicity Chairman. I've recently been listening to "My Society" on Blog Talk Radio. So informative. I want to bring all that I've learned to my society too.
I'll have the freedom to make appointments during the week (imagine that!)
I can attend "field trips" with my society.
My husband and I usually save Friday's as our movie day, now we can go
to the Tuesday matinee for $5.00. Wow!
Well, whatever I choose, I won't have the time constraint of a 10-hour
work day, wheeeeeeee!
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